|
Urban Reviews:
Tell us about your debut novel Unfaithful.
Devon Scott:
Unfaithful is a sensual thriller about a
successful, happily married black man who has everything-a
great job, beautiful wife and wonderful friends. But
he's obsessing over a woman he can't have. She's his
friend, co-worker and his best friend's wife.
Unfaithful takes you through one man's descent
as his sexual desires and ultimately his decisions threaten
to ruin everything he has worked so hard to obtain.
Unfaithful is a novel that doesn't glamorize
cheating. In fact, it does just the opposite.
The book shows the consequences of what can happen when one
risks everything they have for a few moments of forbidden
pleasure.
Urban
Reviews: What inspired you to want to write a book like
this?
Devon Scott: I penned Unfaithful
because I was tired of seeing books and films that show the
allure and fascination with the player mentality-you know,
male characters who jump from one bed to another without any
consequences, along with the portrayal of females with a
clueless or passive mentality. Our society seems to hold
these men in high standing-or at least we seem to turn the
other cheek to their dalliances, as if it's acceptable
behavior. But it's not. Infidelity is devastating
for those on the receiving end, and women, especially
black women, are much smarter and stronger than they're given
credit for.
Urban
Reviews: Describe the day you found out that Kensington/Dafina
would be publishing your manuscript?
Devon Scott:
I was beyond excited! Having your "baby"
and your art published, after you've labored over it for some
many months, is an incredible feeling. I
knew that Kensington was a company that would get behind this
book and push it to its full potential.
Urban Reviews:
How have your goals changed as a writer now that you have a
deal with a major publisher?
Devon Scott:
My goals are constantly expanding and growing because I am
always pushing for more, and always striving to become better.
I've always aspired to be an author who is known for
bringing true-to-life characters and thought-provoking drama
to the page. Dealing with a major publisher
is great, because it allows an author to get her/his message
out to the masses. I'm working with
Kensington and others to use out-of-the-box ways to get the
word out about Unfaithful. Meanwhile, I'm
already thinking about and working on future projects.
Urban Reviews:
Can we get a sneak peek at your next project? When can
we expect it to be released?
Devon Scott:
My next novel is tentatively entitled, Unforgiving.
It's a sensual drama about a married couple that finds
themselves in the untenable position of being harassed and
stalked by a madman. Things escalate as they try to
ascertain who is behind these terrible acts, which are
wreaking havoc on their lives. The twist is that they
live an alternative lifestyle and were very happy (at least in
the beginning, before these events began to unfold). I
think fans of Unfaithful as well as those
who haven't had the opportunity to read Unfaithful
will really enjoy this one. The book is slated to be
released in the spring of 2009.
Urban Reviews:
What things are you doing to promote your novel? How do
you feel about the competitive nature of the African-American
fiction market?
Devon Scott:
I have a website (http://www.devonscott.com/)
and a blog (www.devonscott.com/blog)
that I use to introduce readers to my work and also to
interact with them. On the blog they can
comment on my book or on one of my recent postings.
In addition, I am reaching out to book clubs around the
country, and I've done some radio and online interviews (and
would love to do more!). Furthermore, I've
partnered with a condom company (One Condoms), and together we
are getting the word out about Unfaithful and the
importance of safe sex. As you are probably aware,
African-Americans account for 49 percent of those Americans
infected with HIV, and according to the CDC, blacks and other
minorities show higher rates of STDs when compared to whites.
Together with One Condoms, I'm trying to raise awareness of
the importance of practicing safe sex while driving home the
point that we can have fun while protecting our bodies--and
others--at the same time.
Regarding the competitive nature of the AA fiction market,
I would say that the fiction market for black books is really
no different than any other industry.
Competition is always a good thing, and I truly believe that
if you have a good product and solid marketing behind you,
ultimately, you will rise to the top.
Urban Reviews:
Is there an author or book you can point to as your
inspiration to want to be a published author?
Devon Scott:
When I was in high school I read a book named Cane
by Jean Toomer, an American poet and novelist, and important
figure in the Harlem Renaissance. This book was
published back in the early twenties, but I remember reading
it, and for the first time was wowed by words on a page.
The way he described, among other things, the Georgia sunsets
and the dust swirling around the feet of a running black girl
was hauntingly beautiful and in some mysterious way, sensual
too. I was taken in.
Urban Reviews:
Are you an avid reader as well? What are some of
your favorite titles?
Devon Scott:
Yes, I am reading all the time. I'm a
big fan of Eric Jerome Dickey. The Other
Woman and Genevieve are my two
favorites. I'm also a big James Patterson fan. I
love character novels, and some of my favorite titles are just
that-they go deep into the characters-The
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, White
Teeth by Zadie Smith, Waiting in Vain
by Colin Channer, and The Mating Game and
the sequel The Forever Game by Jonathan
Luckett. These are novels that one can lose themselves
in for hours.
Urban Reviews:
Is there a reason behind your anonymity? Has this hinder
you from conventional promotion such as book signings, panel
discussions or conferences?
Devon Scott: I want readers to focus on
Unfaithful, my characters, and the implications of
my characters' decisions as it relates to their lives, rather
than on me as a writer. Our society spends an inordinate
amount of time focusing on the artist-how they look, what
they choose to wear, and how they act in public, rather than
on their art. I simply want readers to judge me on my
work. And I'm still available to do book signings and
in-person discussions, and I plan to.
Urban Reviews:
At the end of the day, what do you want the world to know most
about Devon Scott?
Devon Scott:
I am passionate about what I do. I
consider it my job to create compelling characters and put
them in situations that make the reader consider his or her
own actions. If I do my job right, then
you, as the reader, will keep my characters and their stories
in your mind, long after you finish my books.
I am also proud of the fact that I try to portray my
African-American characters in a positive light.
Whether you end up loving or hating them, I believe you
will respect my characters. Finally, I've
heard from many of my readers who comment that Unfaithful
could easily be a feature film because of its storyline and
how descriptive and well told it is. Feel free to reach
out and discuss Unfaithful at
www.devonscott.com/blog. |
